Types of nuisance
Below are a list of the most common forms of anti-social behaviour and nuisance. Under each heading are included examples. Always check with us if you are not sure.
Noise
Harassment
Criminal activity
Gaffiti, Vandalism and criminal damage
Rubbish dumping
Dogs and other animals
Businesses
Squatters and other unauthorised occupants
Neighbour disputes
Domestic violence
Child protection
Noise nuisance
Noise nuisance is the most common of all the complaints of anti-social behaviour and means creating a noise at a level that is intrusive or disturbing to neighbours such as: music, T.V., radio and DIY. It also means noise outside the property, such as car, stereos, shouting etc. Other forms of nuisance include noisy parties, banging and slamming of doors, domestic disputes which involve shouting and inconsiderate use of domestic appliances. Pay parties fall under this heading. Where known about in advance, the council can apply for an injunction against the occupier or organiser preventing the party taking place. The penalties for breaching an injunction can be heavy and could result in imprisonment. The council also has powers to seize equipment making the noise.
Harassment
All residents have the right to enjoy their home is peace. Occasionally individuals are denied this basic right and their lives are made a misery by deliberate harassment. The tenancy conditions therefore have a clause which prohibits harassment of anyone in the local area because of his or her race, colour, nationality, culture, sexuality, gender, age, marital status, religion or disability.
A harassment clause is also included in leases. Any form of harassment, including verbal abuse, threats of violence, stone throwing, spitting and graffiti will be treated very seriously, as will any incident perceived to be harassment by the person making the complaint. In addition, the council will take action where the council's employees, managing agents or contractors are harassed, threatened with or subjected to violence.
Criminal activity
Engaging in criminal activity in a council property, as well as being a matter for the police, is a breach of tenancy and the lease. Examples of this include drug dealing and use, prostitution and handling stolen goods.
Graffiti, vandalism and criminal damage
This type of anti-social behaviour is in breach of the tenancy conditions and lease. Criminal damage includes damage to the block or the estate and the property of residents who live on the estate. Also all forms of graffiti and vandalism are criminal damage and the police can prosecute the culprit.
There is a special hotline to report graffiti. Its success depends on the information provided by the public. Reports leading to the arrest and prosecution of the offender can result in a cash reward of up to £1000. Graffiti Hotline: 020 8871 7049
Rubbish dumping
Includes dumping of any form of rubbish in the communal areas of the block or the estate and throwing things out of windows. For collection of large bulk rubbish and the council's leisure and amenities department provides a special collection service for large items and that cannot be disposed of through the normal household collection service.
For further information telephone: 020 8871 8558
Dogs and other animals
Animals, if not cared for and controlled properly, are another major source of nuisance and complaint. What you can and cannot do is contained in your tenancy conditions and lease regulations. The most common complaints are dog fouling and barking and dogs which are dangerous. On most estates there are dog bylaws. If a nuisance is caused the person in control of the dog may be prosecuted and fined.
Pigeon droppings are another form of nuisance and action will be taken against people who feed and encourage the pigeons.
Businesses
Tenants and leaseholders may run a business from home in certain circumstances. However, the business must not cause a nuisance, or be dangerous. Examples of businesses that may cause a nuisance are:
- constantly using an industrial sewing machine
- car repair business
- any business where there a large number of callers to the property likely to cause a disturbance
Squatters and unauthorised occupants
Swift action will be taken to evict squatters and unauthorised occupants by obtaining a possession order through the court. In this type of case it is normally a quick process. In the meantime, you should still report any complaints of nuisance. In the more serious cases it may be possible to obtain an injunction.
There is a special hotline for you to report suspected squatters or unauthorised occupants: Tel: 020 8871 6556
Information that leads to successful possession of a property occupied by unauthorised occupants may entitle the person giving the information to a cash reward of up to £1000.
Neighbour disputes
Individual disputes, usually between two neighbours, can include many of the complaints described above. If possible they are
best resolved by the neighbours themselves. If a complaint is made to Carey Gardens it may be difficult to resolve because the parties to the dispute will each have their own view and often have conflicting complaints about each other. Because the council must remain impartial, it can only offer or try to mediate to help the parties reach a settlement. However, if your complaint is serious, then you should always notify the office and/or the police.
Domestic violence
If you or someone you know is suffering domestic violence or abuse, please be aware that we can give confidential advice and assistance.
You can also contact:
- Wandsworth Community Support Unit (Police) on 020 8870 9011
- Wandsworth Women's Aid Tel 020 8871 2664
- Shanti Women's Aid Tel: 020 8871 7262
- Wandworth Social Services Tel: 020 8871 6000
Child protection
Every child has a right to protection from neglect and from physical, emotional and sexual abuse. If you have any concerns about a child's welfare, please contact the social services department, or in an emergency, the police. |
